Job Description

Who are we?

DIAL Barnsley is a local user-led organisation which, through the provision of advice and support, aims to address poverty and social exclusion for disabled people, their families and carers in the borough of Barnsley. Established in 1985 our services have developed to meet the needs of service users. We attribute the longevity and success of our organisation to our ethos which is to ‘See the person first’ 

We are a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. 

What do we do?

Our core advice services include:

• telephone information, advice and guidance

• regular face to face welfare benefit advice sessions in communities

• independent advocacy support for people wishing to make complaints about their health and social care 

• home visits and support to address fuel poverty/energy efficiency

The advice team is rare and unique as they are representative of the people they serve. Most of our paid advisors have long-term disabilities or health problems and personal experience of the financial and other barriers disabled people face each and every day. They are a shining example to the people they speak with on a daily basis and are truly inspirational.  Everyone’s attitude is down-to-earth but professional, knowledgeable, non-patronising and their commitment is unequalled.

The advice service is complimented by other enabling services focussing on people supporting each other:

• community support groups providing social contact and activities 

• digital peer support group for people to come together

• volunteer opportunities

Overview of the Role

As a Welfare Benefits Support Worker, you will play a crucial role in assisting individuals in making benefit claims and accessing the support they need. You will join a busy team that supports thousands of disabled people and carers across the borough and specifically provide a bespoke home visiting service to our most vulnerable clients.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Benefit Claims Assistance:

   • Provide guidance and support to individuals in understanding their eligibility for various welfare benefits, including Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, and Attendance Allowance.

   • Assist clients in completing benefit application forms accurately and efficiently.

   • Stay updated on changes to welfare benefit regulations and policies to provide accurate information to clients.

2. Home Visiting Service:

   • Conduct home visits to assess clients' needs and provide personalised support in accessing welfare benefits.

   • Develop tailored action plans in collaboration with clients to maximise their benefit entitlements and improve their financial stability.

3. Client Empowerment and Education:

   • Empower clients through education about their rights and responsibilities within the benefits system.

4. Working within our Team

• Liaise with colleagues in order to provide the best possible advice to all clients

• Attend team meetings

• Undertake appropriate training

• Work with our Communications Lead to share the impact of the service